When driving in the rain, what is the best practice to prevent hydroplaning?

To effectively prevent hydroplaning while driving in the rain, it is essential to slow down and avoid sudden movements. When the road is wet, water can accumulate on the surface, creating a layer between the tires and the road. This can lead to a loss of traction, causing the vehicle to slide or skid, known as hydroplaning.

By reducing speed, you allow your tires to make better contact with the road surface, as slower speeds give tires more time to disperse the water in front of them. Furthermore, avoiding sudden turns, abrupt stops, or sharp accelerations helps maintain control over the vehicle, minimizing the risk of losing traction. Sudden maneuvers can exacerbate the effects of hydroplaning, making it more difficult to regain control of the vehicle.

Other practices, such as using cruise control, can be dangerous in wet conditions since they might unintentionally maintain speed during adverse conditions, thereby increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Driving with windows down does not have a direct effect on hydroplaning and may distract the driver instead. Therefore, the best strategy for maintaining control in rainy weather is to slow down and drive smoothly.